Frankfurt

The Manhattan of Germany is home to the European Central Bank and is the proud base of the world's largest stock exchange. But it's not all skyscrapers and deadlines: Frankfurt has a lively social scene with buzzing nightspots, an achingly hip art scene and excellent restaurants to enjoy.

1/6Take in the stunning views of the city with a walk along the banks of Frankfurt’s iconic waterway, the Main River

2/6Explore Frankfurt’s Hauptwache Square, famous for its mix of historic buildings and modern constructions, shops and cafes

3/6Discover the Römerberg, Frankfurt's picturesque Old Town and its traditional open fronted shops

4/6Constructed in 1880 in the style of the Italian High Renaissance, the Old Frankfurt Opera House was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in 1981

5/6Frankfurt’s striking red-sandstone cathedral has been around since the 13th century and witnessed the coronation of ten Holy Roman Emperors between 1562 and 1792

6/6Watch the traders in action with a tour of Frankfurt’s famous stock exchange, the old Börse, whose origins stretch all the way back to the 9th century

1/6

Take in the stunning views of the city with a walk along the banks of Frankfurt’s iconic waterway, the Main River

2/6

Explore Frankfurt’s Hauptwache Square, famous for its mix of historic buildings and modern constructions, shops and cafes

3/6

Discover the Römerberg, Frankfurt's picturesque Old Town and its traditional open fronted shops

4/6

Constructed in 1880 in the style of the Italian High Renaissance, the Old Frankfurt Opera House was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in 1981

5/6

Frankfurt’s striking red-sandstone cathedral has been around since the 13th century and witnessed the coronation of ten Holy Roman Emperors between 1562 and 1792

6/6

Watch the traders in action with a tour of Frankfurt’s famous stock exchange, the old Börse, whose origins stretch all the way back to the 9th century

Things to do

Things to do

We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.

Do

Kaiserdom

Step into the Kaiserdom, Frankfurt's grand cathedral, for an insight into the past. A visit to the hidden Wahlkapelle, the Elector's Chapel, is a must – the place where key historic decisions were made with regard to the coronations of the ancient German emperors. Don't forget to admire the ancient architectural prowess displayed on the door on the right side of the main altar.

As early as the 12th century, Römerberg, the central square of Frankfurt's Altstadt, or old town, was reputed to be the centre of markets and trade fairs – laying the foundation for the famous Messe Frankfurt trade fair. Römerberg's beautifully restored city-hall buildings and famous Fountain of Justice are key city landmarks, and with nearby Goethe House – the birthplace of the famous German writer – they form the heart of the city.

Refreshing cider taverns stand alongside pastel-coloured houses in the old Sachsenhausen district. With the locals, enjoy golden apple cider poured from paunchy salt-glazed stoneware jugs that also make great souvenirs. For the adventurous, the pungent handkäse sour-milk cheese is a perfect and healthy complement. On the go? Hop on the colourful Ebbelwei-Express tram for sightseeing accompanied with apple cider, pretzels and music.

Want to learn more about Frankfurt's history while staying on the move? Try themed walks such as Following Goethe's Footsteps or Criminal History and Frankfurt, organised by the Frankfurt Tourist+Congress Board. Stroll along inviting green riverbanks for an open view that calms the mind. Families can also take part in special children's tours.

Covering topics from history to architecture, explore 13 different museums lined up along both banks of the Main River at the Museumsufer, or Museum Embankment. Start with the Städel Museum featuring paintings from as early as the 14th century. Its majestic old façade blends graciously with the modern glass front of fine dining restaurant Holbein’s in the courtyard of the museum.

Experience a creative twist on classic German cuisine at this renovated 19th-century waterworks. Inside, the building has been converted into a magnificent space with high ceilings, dim lighting and brick walls. Feel the breeze and enjoy the views of the Main River nearby.

Leave the bling of the famous Zeil shopping centres behind and explore the charming local style of Berger Strasse. Pick up anything from apple-cider jam to T-shirts at the quirky department store Kaufhaus Hessen. Browse through farmers' markets, traditional shops and coffee bars until you reach Bethmann Park, which features a Chinese garden.

Please note that for online bookings, infants under two will not occupy their own seat. To book an infant-occupied seat, or if your infant turns two during your trip, please contact your local reservations office at 02-8793-3388 (Flight enquiries).